Shaving does not have to be a painful or bloody experience. If you are tired of exiting the bathroom with bits of toilet paper stuck to your face or legs, it may be time to reconsider your current shaving method. Whether you're a man or a woman, you can learn proper shaving techniques that will help you avoid cuts, scrapes and gouges and ensure that you achieve the smoothest, closest shave possible.
Step 1
Wait to shave. Hudson’s FTM Resource Guide recommends waiting at least 20 minutes after you wake up to allow any morning puffiness to subside. When puffiness recedes, hairs will be closer to the surface of your skin, resulting in fewer nicks.
Step 2
Wash your skin with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser before shaving to dislodge skin oils and dirt that can interfere with a smooth shave.
Step 3
Apply shaving soap, cream or gel to your face in a thin layer. Using just enough cream or gel to lubricate the skin and help the razor glide smoothly over it. Using too much of a shaving product can clog the razor and result in a spotty shave or nicks.
Step 4
Shave in the direction of hair growth, using slow, short strokes of your razor. Start with uncomplicated areas first, such as the sides of the face or the thighs.
Step 5
Use shorter strokes to shave potential problem areas, including ankles, the upper lip or neck. Using shorter strokes can help prevent injury when shaving small or tight areas.
Step 6
Rinse your razor under running water when it fills up with shaving cream or gel. Using a razor full of cream or gel can result in missed spots or nicks.
Step 7
Rinse the shaved area with cool water. Follow the rinse with an aftershave product or moisturizer.
Step 8
Use hot, running water to rinse the razor thoroughly and set it aside to air dry. Repeat the shaving process in one or more days, depending on the rate of hair growth.
Tips and Warnings
- The Nemours Foundation recommends changing razor blades often. Using a dull blade may cause rashes or red, blotchy patches on the skin or areas of unshaven hair. Hudson’s FTM Resource Guide suggests using your free hand to gently pull the skin taut when shaving. Keeping the skin taut will help you get a closer shave and reduce nicks. Don’t keep the skin too taut if you tend to get razor bumps or ingrown hairs, because doing so can allow newly cut hair to spring back into the skin. If you do cut yourself, apply gentle pressure to the cut with a clean cloth. Keep a styptic pencil, available at drug stores, on hand to help slow bleeding.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap or cleanser
- Razor
- Aftershave product
- Moisturizer
- Styptic pencil
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